320i shift platform

[Tdh]

Any reason why I can’t use a shift platform from a 320i on a 5 speed conversion? 

[williamggruff]

You could, but you’d have to move the hole in the tunnel a few inches toward the handbrake. 

[Tdh]

Or shorten the shift platform?

Edited January 16, 2019 by Tdh

[jimk]

25 minutes ago, Tdh said:

Or shorten the shift platform?

Yes, that's what I have done and attached the rear of it to the tunnel using the E21 rubber mount.  So no worries about rubbing the guibo and it doesn't jiggle as much from engine/trans moving around.  Mark the new front mounting holes and drill before cutting, save some grief.

[Tdh]

Thanks Jim.  As luck would have it, the rubber mount was in great shape so I kept it when I pulled the 245 out of the donor car.  More dough saved! 

[Mike G]

I think my shift platform is from a 320i. If you want measurements (or to buy it, only a little broken) let me know. 

 

 

[xr4tic]

How does the E21 rubber mount attach to the rear tunnel?

[Mike G]

7 minutes ago, xr4tic said:

How does the E21 rubber mount attach to the rear tunnel?

 

On mine there’s a hole drilled in the tunnel and it was through bolted with a rubber isolator. 

[jimk]

10 hours ago, xr4tic said:

How does the E21 rubber mount attach to the rear tunnel?

My install.  There is a big rubber mount that fits into the platform and rests on the bracket half.

In the pdf diagram, I didn't use pc 16 & 17 (didn't get it from the donor car), just made a bracket from a strap.

320i Shifter Diagram.pdf

Edited January 16, 2019 by jimk

[xr4tic]

10 hours ago, jimk said:

My install.  There is a big rubber mount that fits into the platform and rests on the bracket half.

In the pdf diagram, I didn't use pc 16 & 17 (didn't get it from the donor car), just made a bracket from a strap.

 

Thanks, seems like a bit of an odd setup vs. going straight up.

[Simeon]

20 minutes ago, xr4tic said:

 

Thanks, seems like a bit of an odd setup vs. going straight up.

 

It allows the rubber to be in compression and not tension. Good for longevity. 

[jgerock]

This old Roundel Magazine article describes the 4-speed e21 shift support is marked so that it is easy to modify it for use with an 5 speed overdrive transmission.

 

Based on MLytle's 5 speed swap in his 75 M2, the thickness of the e21 shift support prevented the transmission from being fully raised into the tunnel.  He switched the e21 version to a 2002 version.

[jimk]

10 hours ago, xr4tic said:

Thanks, seems like a bit of an odd setup vs. going straight up.

The platform rests on the rubber mount/bracket.  The platform does not hang from top.  The rubber mount is soft.  The platform has to be able to move side to side with the engine or it will break off at the transmission like one of the photos above.